Started my car up this morning and my ground wire melted.

Attached from alternator to the chassis...

There was a big puff of white smoke from under the engine after i cranked the car and i heard something snap "melted ground wire"

Any reason why this wire would suddenly melt?

What could have caused this?

 

it could have been loose. When electrodes travel through air, it creates a lot more heat due to voltage spikes.
What gauge was the wire?

 

electrodes travel through the air?

Heat is caused due to factors including resistance. The connection or the wire itself was most likely corroded for a long time. Over time the heat from the motor and the poor connection probably deteriorated the cable. The "snap and puff" you refer to was probably the last attempt at a connection. The electrons jumped across the gap like how some welders work. Replace the wire and have it checked by a qualified technician. You may have got lucky and no other damage occurred.

 

Turns out the cause of the problem was the positive connection on the starter was touching a metal bracket. when engine was swapped

Was not a clean connection on the positive starter side.

 

PS. I was helping him with this problem.

 

how can i tell if i am buying the right starter for my car?

92 to 95?

 

Take out the starter and send it out for a rebuild. Usually they charge 60-80

 

rebuild where?

 

ok
the starter is blown...

I am not sure where all the fuses are for the starter...


the fuel pump does not sound like its priming...


After this electrical surge, what else should I check over ?

 

check you local listings for a qualified technician. You can only get so much help without actually having a vehicle in front of you with the proper test equipment.

Quick guess would be fusing. Thats why they are installed.

 

ok sounds good

will a starter from a d15 or a d16a fit my engine d16z6 ?

 

where can i find a fuse diagram and relay diagram for my car?
d16z6 civic eg 95?

 

 

does it matter if the standard was out of a automatic or manual?

 

Would the main relay be worth removing and replacing ?

is there a way to test the main relay?

 

I do travel to your area. I don't work cheap though. $85/hour plus travel if I have to make a special trip. Thats alot of info for free. Ever wonder why it cost so much to have qualified ppl do work, because they know what they are doing and worked for the knowledge. Not to be a d!ck but.....

You can buy the whole service manual from honda. PDF off the internet. check honda tech. I'll give you the exact info the dealership uses.